AP - The European Central Bank is expected to hold its benchmark interest rate steady later Thursday as inflation fears outweigh the growing financial crisis.

AFP - Stocks in FTSE 100 were flat in initial trading on Thursday, gaining 0.08 percent to 4,963.47 points, after the US Senate approved a modified rescue plan for the stricken US financial sector.

AFP - European shares steadied at the start of trading on Thursday after the US Senate approved a modified financial rescue package for the stricken US financial sector.

AFP - The European Commission called on Wednesday for a coordinated EU response to rebuild confidence in the crisis-struck financial sector as it proposed tougher regulations and cross-border oversight.

AFP - The FTSE 100 finished more than one percent higher on Wednesday, with shares surging in HBOS and Lloyds TSB, as the US Senate prepared to vote on a revised financial rescue package.

Reuters - French Economy Minister Christine Lagarde denied on Wednesday that France was planning a 300 billion euro ($424.4 billion) EU bank rescue package.

AP - Volatile world stock markets showed mixed reactions Tuesday to U.S. lawmakers' rejection of a $700 billion economic rescue plan, with global investors turning from sellers to buyers as the day progressed.

AFP - A powerful Wall Street rally Tuesday helped lift global markets a day after a near-meltdown as investor hopes grew on the prospects for a new US financial rescue package to ease the crisis.

AFP - European shares rose Wednesday, after gains in Asia and overnight on Wall Street, amid renewed hope that a revised version of a US financial rescue plan would be adopted by Congress.

AFP - London's FTSE 100 index of leading shares was up 0.22 percent in late morning deals, lifted by bargain hunting in the wake of a rout across Asia markets and on Wall Street overnight.

AP - Stocks were volatile across the world on Tuesday, a day after U.S. lawmakers rejected a $700 billion bank rescue plan.

AFP - Shares in London closed higher on Tuesday, getting a boost from a rebound on Wall Street as investors hoped another vote on the US financial bailout package will see the plan passed.